Him

If we’re to take Him seriously, then it takes a lot more than old-fashioned hard work to become the best quarterback in the world, able to handle both the physical rigors of the most demanding position in sports but the pressures of fame off the field.

Rather, this bizarre horror-satire — or perhaps a cautionary tale — suggests some sort of cult-like conspiracy of religious symbolism and institutional complicity. Fortunately, it knows it’s joking.

But within its heightened reality, this genre hybrid from director Justin Tipping (Kicks) fumbles its subversive concept with ultraviolent detours and heavy-handed subtext, revealing more style than substance in its narrative playbook.

Cameron (Tyriq Withers) has always had aspirations of becoming the G.O.A.T., and he might have the talent, too, despite grieving his father’s death and dealing with the aftermath of an assault by a crazed fan that left him with a concussion.

Observers see Cameron as the potential heir apparent to his childhood idol, Isaiah (Marlon Wayans), who has led his franchise to eight championships and is nearing retirement.

So when Isaiah recruits Cameron for a multi-day training session at his rural facility, Cameron jumps at the opportunity to prove himself.

Their time together isn’t as simple as just passing the torch with some drills and sage advice. It becomes a weeklong physical and psychological torture chamber that pushes him beyond his limits — and also exposes some sinister secrets about Isaiah’s superstardom.

Cameron finds both his resilience and conscience tested by a cutthroat spiral of unchecked ego and alpha masculinity. Are these hallucinations all in his head? Can he even survive?

It begins by tackling the burdens of celebrity in the social-media age, when obsessed strangers are just as eager to anoint you before you’re ready as they are to tear you down before you deserve. Fans root for and against your every move. However, that’s more insight than you’ll find in the muddled screenplay, which struggles to maintain suspense.

The film takes on the same brash attitude as Cameron, who deserves a better movie around him. Withers (I Know What You Did Last Summer) provides an emotional anchor amid the chaos, and is convincing regardless of whether he’s wielding a football or a different weapon of choice.

Yet while Cameron’s blind faith obscures his better judgment in Him, moviegoers shouldn’t have the same issue while remaining on the sidelines.

Rated R, 96 minutes.